Program Requirements

Notes on Course Requirements

• The course sequences below are designed for a four-year program. Students who anticipate taking longer than four years should consult the undergraduate adviser. Students in the Co-op program will take longer than four years and should consult the Co-op coordinator.
• Physics 12 and Mathematics 12 are required for entry into the Physics and Astronomy undergraduate programs. For all sequences, PHYS 120 is intended for students planning a career in Physics or Astronomy and who have attained at least a B standing in each of Physics 12 and Mathematics 12.
• Those with less than a B standing and planning a career in Physics or Astronomy, or those planning a career in some other Physical Science (such as Chemistry or Earth and Ocean Sciences), should take PHYS 112.
• Students planning to take Honours programs should normally also have completed Chemistry 11 and 12. Advanced placement is available for students with high standing in both Mathematics 12 and Physics 12.
• Students should consult the timetable or the department to confirm which courses are offered in any particular term.
• Where consent of the department is specified as a course prerequisite, this consent must be obtained from the department Chair or the Chair’s nominee.

Honours Programs: General Regulations

• Admission to the third and fourth years of the Honours programs requires the permission of the department.
• Admission to the Combined Honours Physics and Mathematics program requires the permission of both the department of Physics and Astronomy and the department of Mathematics and Statistics.
• Admission to the Combined Honours Physics and Earth Sciences (Geophysics) Program, and the Combined Honours Physics and Ocean Sciences (Physical Oceanography) Program requires the permission of both the department of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences (SEOS).
• Admission to the Combined Honours Physics and Biochemistry Program requires the permission of both the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Biology and Microbiology.
• Students in the Honours programs will be required to maintain a GPA of at least 3.5.

Major Programs: General Regulations

For any Major program in the department, the course grades used in calculating the GPA on which the type of degree is based must include those for all courses (including departmental electives) numbered 300 and above that are specified by the department.

Physics Programs: Course Requirements

Honours Program in Physics

1. PHYS 242 is strongly recommended in second year; students who take CSC 111 should complete CSC 115 before PHYS 242. ASTR 250, 255, PHYS 210, CSC 115, 225 and 230 are also recommended.

2. Electives chosen from Physics and Astronomy courses (or other approved courses) numbered 300 or higher (at least 3 units of which must be in Physics courses). These electives must be chosen in consultation with the Department.

Major Program in Physics

1. Three units of Chemistry are recommended in this program.

2. PHYS 242 is strongly recommended in second year; students who take CSC 111 should complete CSC 115 before PHYS 242. ASTR 250, 255, PHYS 210, CSC 115, 225 and 230 are also recommended.

3. Electives chosen from Physics and Astronomy courses (or other approved courses) numbered 300 or higher (at least 3 units of which must be in Physics courses). One of PHYS 460 and ASTR 460 is recommended for third- and fourth-year students.

General and Minor Programs in Physics

1. Three units of Chemistry are recommended in this program.

2. PHYS 242 is strongly recommended in second year; students who take CSC 111 should complete CSC 115 before PHYS 242. ASTR 250, 255, PHYS 210, CSC 115, 225 and 230 are also recommended.

3. Chosen from Physics and Astronomy courses numbered 300 or higher

Astronomy Programs: Course Requirements

Honours Program in Astronomy

1. PHYS 242 is strongly recommended in second year; students who take CSC 111 should complete CSC 115 before PHYS 242. PHYS 210, CSC 115, 225 and 230 are also recommended.

2. Electives chosen from Physics and Astronomy courses (or other approved courses) numbered 300 or higher. These electives must be chosen in consultation with the Department.

Major Program in Astronomy

1. Three units of Chemistry are recommended in this program.

2. PHYS 242 is strongly recommended in second year; students who take CSC 111 should complete CSC 115 before PHYS 242. PHYS 210, CSC 115, 225 and 230 are also recommended.

3. One of PHYS 460 and ASTR 460 is recommended for third- and fourth-year students.